title: Staff members' perceptions of an animal-assisted activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the perceptions of staff members toward the implementation of an animal-assisted activity (AAA) in an outpatient regional cancer center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quasi-experimental, post-test design.
  
  
  METHODS
  An adult outpatient regional cancer center in northern California.
  
  
  METHODS
  34 facility staff members.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-report questionnaire following four weeks of AAA visitation. Visits took place three times a week for a total of 12 visits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Perceptions of the AAA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Previous perceptions toward AAA influenced the perceptions of the visitation's efficacy. Direct and indirect interaction with the visiting AAA teams was positively associated with perceptions of the AAA. A disagreement occurred that the AAA had caused extra stress or work for staff. Enjoyment of interacting with the dog handler was not significantly different from interacting with the dog; however, it was more positively correlated to acceptance of the AAA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study provided evidence that the AAA was generally accepted by staff members.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individual staff members' perceptions of dogs and AAAs can influence their receptivity to AAA interventions. Interaction with AAA teams should be voluntary and available for patients and staff members.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AAA may be introduced into facilities without creating the perception of extra stress or work for staff members. Providing staff the opportunity to interact with visiting AAA teams may be beneficial for the success of such programs. The human handler in AAA teams may play a vital role in the staff acceptance of such programs.
authors.affiliation: Research Center for Human Animal Interaction, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA. jlbnq7@mail.missouri.edu
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bibbo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D056447:Animal Assisted Therapy; D000818:Animals; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology